Vanessa Hudgens Graduates From High School

3 months ago 22nd Aug 08:15

Five years ago, film executives would have laughed out loud if someone had pitched a musical about a group of squeaky clean American high school students.

But in 2006, a low-budget made-for-television Disney movie starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale changed everything.

'High School Musical' quickly became an international phenomenon, spawning two sequels, several top 40 records, three number one soundtracks, several stage shows, millions of DVD and CD sales and over $250 million in box office takings.

Since then, Hollywood has gone musical crazy, starting production on a series of new films as well as remakes of classics including 'Footloose'.

The latest film to cash in on the craze is 'Bandslam', starring Vanessa Hudgens, fellow Disney star Alyson Michalka and young rock singer Gaelan Connell.

Every once in a while on set I would think to myself, I can't believe we got away with this. I always thought if it only sent one kid to listen to a Velvet Underground record, it would be worth it to me.

It follows Will Burton (Connell), a teenage music nerd who moves to a new school when his mother - played by former 'Friends' star Lisa Kudrow - gets a new job.

Keen to make a good impression with the school's "cool" kids, Will is excited when his new friend Sa5m (Hudgens) - the 5 is silent - tells him about Bandslam, an annual music competition that offers a recording contract to the winning band.

The pair begin rehearsing frantically, but before long Will is approached by Charlotte Banks (Michalka), the most popular girl in school.

Charlotte wants Will to help her rock band win Bandslam so she can take revenge on her self-centered ex-boyfriend.

Thrilled to be popular at last, Will agrees to help Charlotte and their band is soon favourite to win the contest.

But as he gets more involved with Charlotte, Will starts neglecting his commitments with Sa5m, something he comes regrets when his new friends turn on him.

Eventually, music saves the day, ending old feuds and sparking new friendships - and a romance or two.

Unlike the 'High School Musical' franchise, the film's soundtrack features alternative rock tracks by bands like the Velvet Underground, Wilco, Nick Drake and David Bowie.

Director Todd Graff thinks this fact distances the movie from its bubblegum pop ancestors.

He said: "Every once in a while on set I would think to myself, I can't believe we got away with this. I always thought if it only sent one kid to listen to a Velvet Underground record, it would be worth it to me."

Surprisingly, most reviewers agree with Graff, with one even declaring the film a complete departure from the "frivolity coated in sickly-sweet apple-pie pop that is ‘High School Musical'".

Another branded it an "intelligent teen film" that avoids "teen film cliches" while delivering an entertaining character drama.

Even Michael Phillips from the Los Angeles Times had some words of faint praise for the film.

He wrote: "‘Bandslam' is a pretty good movie given that the odds of it having been a pretty bad movie were steep."

Hudgens' performance was also commended, with various critics declaring she "outshines" the rest of the cast.

Unfortunately, good reviews have not translated into commercial success.

The film grossed just $2.25 million on its opening weekend in the US, failing to make it into the week's top 10 releases.

But regardless of critical praise or commercial failure, Hudgens has vowed not to appear in another musical.

The 20-year-old actress has decided to stop singing "for a while" to focus on sharpening her acting skills.

She said: "I mean, I love musicals, I really do. I grew up doing them, so it'll always have a place in my heart. At the same time, it's nice to be able to separate the two and just be able to focus on films.

"It's a lot of fun playing different characters and taking on new journeys."

The singer-and-actress - who is currently filming her first major non-musical role, in 'Beastly' - has also insisted she has no plans to release any more albums.

She added: "Honestly, I'm kind of taking a break from music right now. I'm just focusing on films and acting. I feel like when I'm doing something I really want, I focus on that and try to not spread myself all over the place."